A Book of Sant Mat Ethics: “Kabir 1008 Vani” — One of the Most Important Books of Kabir

A Book of Sant Mat Ethics: “Kabir 1008 Vani” — One of the Most Important Books of Kabir

Serving, Helping Others During This Life: "The advantage of being in the human mode of existence lies in giving and serving only, i.e. helping others as much as possible. Because, possibly you will not get this body [human form] again. This time you have been given this body, and so do not hesitate; serve others and that is all." (Guru Kabir, Saakhi Granth of Kabir, 1008 Kabir Vani)

“Love is like a deep sea. Only that lover (of God) who will dive into it fearlessly shall be able to get the pearl of ultimate happiness in it. And one who will not be able to muster up enough courage to dive into it, shall remain sitting at the beach. He will remain without love in this world. How will he get the pearls of ultimate happiness then?” (Kabir 1008 Vani)

"This mind is like an intoxicated elephant. It needs goading with the goad of pure thoughts, so that it gets rid of worldly desires and drinks nectar of spiritual self control... The imaginations of the mind are just as innumerable as the innumerable waves of an ocean. If somehow this mind can become quit by itself, attainment of true knowledge like diamond will become easily accessible (everyman in this world is sad and restless because of lack of knowledge. This true knowledge can be attained only when the mind becomes quit.)" (Kabir 1008 Vani)

A Wonderful Book to Consult: 1008 Kabir Vaani, Selections from the Sakhis, a Book of Ethical Precepts of Kabir: Read Online (scroll down the page to download PDF): https://archive.org/details/1008KabirVaani/page/n5/mode/2up

Book Review: Kabir 1008 Vani

by James Bean

Kabir 1008 Vani — Nectar of Truth and Knowledge

Essence of the Collection of Saakhis (the Saakhi Granth of Guru Kabir) in Simple Language and Style

Compiled by Lalchand Doohan Jigyasu

Translated into English by Kunwar Anil Kumar

Genres: Ethics, Genuine Ethical Foundation of Spirituality, Morality, Principles, Wisdom, Sant Mat, Kabir Panth, Meditation, Bhakti (Love and Devotion),

This is one of the most important books of Kabir to have. Kabir 1008 Vani is a very beautiful and impressive book of ethics and wisdom featuring 1008 sayings of Kabir, one of India’s greatest Masters and poet-mystics, who lived in northern India around six hundred years ago. As with Rumi, the Persian Sufi poet, in recent years Kabir has also become increasingly popular in the West. A few decades ago, the only translations of Kabir were, “Songs of Kabir” by Rabindranath Tagore published in 1915, and Robert Bly’s 1971 paraphrase or “versions” of Kabir, which were also based upon Tagore’s translation. These days however, there are literally hundreds of books available in the English language exploring the poetry and teachings of Sri Guru Kabir Sahib. The Saakhis (a term for a certain kind of poetic composition, a couplet giving testimony of eternal truths) are often used in the satsangs (spiritual gatherings in the name of Eternal Truth) of many spiritual paths based in India. It makes a great deal of sense that spiritual teachers would give satsang talks based upon the Saakhis of Kabir, as they are brimming with wisdom about how to integrate spiritual principles into one’s daily life. Kabir was critical of religious hypocrisy, going through the motions of outward rites and rituals without sincerity of heart. His path was that of Bhakti, meaning, love and devotion for the Beloved Supreme Spirit. For Kabir, the true church, mosque, or temple is within the body, within the human heart. The theme of the Saakhis is bringing all levels of our existence, more and more with each passing day, in body, speech, emotions, and thought, into harmony with the soul or spirit inside.

ISBN: 81–8133–515–5

Publisher: Manoj Publications, Delhi

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What We Can Become, and, The Five Precepts

What We Can Become, and, The Five Precepts

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What We Can Become

Saints have a very positive and optimistic view of us. Though they may note our predicament, our current situation, what they really see is what we can become. What they know is that each person can become a perfect being full of light and joy.

They also know that most of us are unaware of this fact because our minds have become clouded by attachments and scattered by wrong activities so we have lost sight of where real peace and joy are to be found.

Once we understand our great potential, we will naturally apply ourselves to developing what is lying dormant within us. We will make sure we do actions that nourish spiritual growth and avoid actions that are negative, destructive or bring unhappy results.

To help us avoid the many pitfalls that lie between us and our goal, the Saints advise us to concentrate our efforts on five main points:

1. To follow the instructions of a true living teacher;

2. To abstain from eating meat, fowl, fish, and eggs;

3. To lead an honest, moral life;

4. To refrain from taking drugs and alcohol; and

5. To practice meditation for two and a half hours a day.

(Dr. S.R. Bakshi, Dr. Sangh Mittra, Encyclopaedia of Saints of India, Volume 19: Radhasoami)


The Five Precepts


ETHICS - AHIMSA VALUES - THE FIVE PRECEPTS

Moral requirements for Initiation

1. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs;

2. Ahimsa (Non-Violence in thought, word, and deed) including vegetarianism [abstinence from meat, fish, and eggs]);

3. Lead a truthful life;

4. Practice non-stealing -- an honest, ethical source of income;

5. Loyalty to ones spouse;

. Another Version of the Five Precepts

1) Refrain from taking the life of sentient beings. [This precept requires strict adherence to a lacto-vegetarian diet: no meat, fish, poultry or eggs (fertilized or non-fertilized).]

2) Refrain from speaking what is not true.

3) Refrain from taking what is not yours.

4) Refrain from sexual misconduct.

5) Refrain from using intoxicants.